Ceramic Animals
Monday 11th November - Wednesday 13th November AND Monday 2nd December 2024
Summary
We are very excited to have James Ort returning to the studio to deliver his popular Ceramic Animals course in 2024. Students will make a standing animal of their choice, as well as a wall mounted head, using James’ unique sculpting technique.
ABOUT THE COURSE
This four-day workshop will allow students to create their own sculpted animal using a contemporary technique that is loose, expressive and breaks all the rules! The technique is fast and easy to learn and brings energy and grace to the creations.
Day one will see students making a wall mounted animal portrait head and day two will involve students creating a four-legged standing animal. Day three will allow students to complete any unfinished work or to make a new dynamic wall mounted pose. All students will be given a series of demonstrations throughout the course that will show the key stages and principles for creating their structure.
Once completed, the sculptures will be dried out and then fired in our kilns. Students will then be asked to return for a later glazing session on 2nd December to bring colour and life to their pieces.
Please only book this course if you can attend all four dates: 11th, 12th, 13th November and 2nd December 2024.
Each student will receive plenty of individual attention as well as continued advice and guidance from James.
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Please see our Student Contract (below) for details.
About James
James is a wildlife artist and his work has been exhibited in local and national exhibitions. Creating in ceramic is his main love but he also makes art using wire, mixed media, painting, and drawing.
He discovered sculpture when he became manager of the Phoenix Studio – an art school in Oxfordshire. Having a lifelong fascination with wildlife and a former career in conservation, James uses his understanding of anatomy and form to push ceramics to its limits. He teaches sculpture and is passionate about using his art to benefit others – be it wildlife or mankind. James was very much inspired and influenced by his nature loving Grandfather, Brian Price Thomas who illustrated a number of the Ladybird Children Books.
WHO IS THE COURSE SUITABLE FOR?
This course will be ideal for both beginners and experienced artists. Students can choose to make any animal they wish and James will advise and assist students in bringing their creations to life.
THE SCHEDULE
Monday 11th November (arrive at 9am)
Welcome breakfast (9am - 10am) – an opportunity to meet James Ort and your fellow students. The session will run from 10am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
Tuesday 12th November and Wednesday 13th November (arrive 9:30am)
The sessions will run from 9.30am each day and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
Monday 2nd December (arrive at 9:30am)
The glazing session will run from 9.30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
A two-course lunch is provided every day. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
COST
This cost for this four-day course is £850. This cost includes all necessary materials, tools, refreshments and a superb two-course lunch every day. Also included is a Welcome breakfast which will be provided on the first day of the course.
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Please see our Student Contract (below) for details.
You can pay in full or pay a deposit by clicking on the ‘Book Now’ button above. If you choose to pay a deposit we will contact you to arrange paying the remainder of your balance in instalments.
Before you book a Guest Potter Course, please read our terms and conditions page here.
Please also read our Student Contract here.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMODATION
The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.
We are happy to arrange transits to and from your accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. Please get in touch to arrange this. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk. To see examples of local accommodation, click here.
Date: 11th, 12th 13th November AND 2nd December 2024
Duration: Four-day workshop
Venue: The Ceramic Studio (Brenchley)
Class Size: Maximum 10 students
Level: Suitable for both beginners and experienced artists.
Clay Type: Stoneware
Cost: £850 (pay in full or in instalments)
“I recently attended The Ceramic Studio on a guest tutor workshop creating ceramic animals with James Ort. What a magical four days they were.
Spent in a beautiful studio, with a fantastic group of students all under the guidance of James who kindly and patiently shared his technique and knowledge, and encouraged creativity and to find our own way with the process. Making a technical process achievable to each of us and being honest when things both needed to be reworked or encouraged to fight on and trust the process.
I achieved far more than I could ever have imagined, as the only complete newcomer to the wonderful world of clay in our group, I never felt disadvantaged or on a back foot and finished the four days feeling proud of my pieces and hungry for more. Total escapism and leaving with new friends. Couldn’t recommend it more highly. ”
